Caregiver Respite: 4 ways to make time for yourself

Are you a caregiver for a senior loved one? If so, you probably focus on that person throughout much of your day (and night). Their needs, wants and wishes may come first. Are they too hot or too cold? Are they comfortable? Hungry? Are they drinking enough water? What can I do to increase their physical or mental strength?  These are all valid concerns.

But what about YOU?  What are your needs, wants and wishes?  What about your physical and mental strength? Your days are long; sometimes you feel like you had a 32-hour day. It is as important for caregivers to take time for themselves as it is for them to care for the ones they love. If you are not at your best, physically or mentally, it will be harder for you to take care of them.

Here are 4 ways you can energize your body and spirit. Pick one and start today:

• Workout. Go to a gym, park or even just around the neighborhood. Whether you walk, run, or lift weights, exercise is important to keep you feeling good, both physically and mentally. Schedule the time, like any other appointment, to get it done on a regular basis. Start with 10 minutes. Start today. There is a personal trainer three doors west of our Center.
• Schedule a spa day. It’s nice to take your loved one to get her nails or hair done so she feels better about herself. But what about you? Take time once-in-a-while to get a mani/pedi, massage, facial or other spa service. Why? Just because! Go somewhere calm and relaxing and let the troubles of the day just melt away, even for a little while. You’ll come out feeling refreshed! There is a Mario Tricoci 150 feet from our Center.
• Have a hobby. You think, “How can I have a hobby when I have my kids and husband to take care of, plus being a caregiver for my loved one (and possibly a job too)?” It could be as easy as regularly getting a new book from the library or more time-consuming as taking a class. The point is that you are learning something and growing. This is about you, not your family or co-workers. If you take part in something you enjoy, you will be more engaged mentally. There is an antique store five doors west of our Center; lots of cool items to look at as you enjoy some me-time.
• Spend time with friends. We stress the importance of socialization for seniors. It helps to improve their attitude, reduces the risk of mental health issues like depression, and lowers blood pressure. The same is true for their caregivers. You spend a lot of time taking care of your loved one, but you also need time to be social with your friends. Have lunch, meet for drinks, or do one of the above items with a friend. It’s important for you to socialize with people outside of your family! Some of our favorite spots include Crosstown Pub & Grill, Sullivan’s, Top Golf and Ogden 6 Movie Theater (inexpensive and THE best popcorn on earth).

Make sure you take time for yourself!

Not only is it hard being a caregiver, it is also hard to take time for yourself when you are caring for a senior loved one. That is one of the reasons Naperville Senior Center is here; to create a ‘home away from home’ for your senior loved one AND give the caregiver, you, time to yourself. Whether you need time to run errands, work in the garden, catch up on chores, be more productive at work, get to the gym, take a class or just take a nap, we provide a safe, fun environment for our Members.

Each day our Members spend time socializing, verbalizing, improvising, evangelizing, visualizing, exercising, having fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Call to action: to learn more about how NSC can provide a respite for you and a great social environment for your loved one, contact us at 630.857.3017. You can also schedule a tour to see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”